How many colleges accept GED?

Nearly all (around 98%) U.S. colleges and universities accept the GED, making it a valid path to higher education, with many community colleges, technical schools, and even four-year universities welcoming GED holders, often with some requiring additional factors like strong test scores or placement exams to get into credit-bearing courses.

What college accepts a GED?

Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States accept a GED as a high school diploma equivalent. However, many schools have additional admissions requirements besides a GED or high school diploma.

Will Harvard accept a GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

What percent of colleges accept GED?

Nearly 98% of U.S. colleges accept applicants who have a GED diploma, according to the GED testing service. In addition to qualifying for college credits, having high GED test scores may also help you get out of taking some college placement tests.

Is it hard to go to college with a GED?

It's not inherently harder to get into most colleges with a GED, as 98% of U.S. colleges accept them, but it can present different challenges, requiring higher GED test scores (around 165+), strong SAT/ACT scores, and extra effort to showcase readiness through essays or community involvement, especially for competitive schools where a diploma is standard. The path often involves demonstrating equivalent preparation beyond just the credential. 

After the GED Can I Get Into My Dream School?

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

What is the downside of a GED?

Disadvantages of a GED include potential employer/college bias, fewer networking/extracurriculars, lower earning potential, and the need for high self-motivation for self-study, as it lacks the structured social and academic development of a traditional high school diploma, potentially leading to gaps in knowledge or opportunities compared to diploma holders. Some employers and colleges still view it less favorably, and certain fields have restrictions, with some studies showing worse long-term outcomes than high school graduates. 

What is the #1 least educated state?

According to multiple recent studies, West Virginia is consistently ranked as the #1 least educated state in the U.S., often followed by other Southern states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, due to low percentages of adults with bachelor's degrees or higher and challenges with high school completion and educational quality.
 

Is a GED impressive?

A GED also is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. That said, there may be a social stigma associated with obtaining a GED versus a diploma, which is something students should consider when deciding which option is best.

Why isn't Gen Z going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

Does Harvard accept the GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on his SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What celebrities got their GED?

50 Successful People With A GED – Actors with a GED

• Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey quit high school prematurely at age 16. ...
• Michael J. Fox. ...
• Christina Applegate. “Passed the GED with flying colors toward the end of her Junior Year.”
• Nicholas Cage. ...
• Brandon Lee. ...
• D.L. Hughley. ...
• Christian Slater. ...
• Lindsay Lohan.

Do I have a GPA if I get a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

What careers accept GED?

What Jobs Will a GED Qualify Me For?

• Food Preparation and Service. ...
• Legal Professions. ...
• Community and Social Service Careers. ...
• Personal Care and Service and Healthcare. ...
• Office and Administrative Support. ...
• Sales. ...
• Protective Services. ...
• Building and Grounds Cleaning.

Does GED count as a degree?

No, a GED (General Educational Development) is not a degree; it's a High School Equivalency credential, a certificate earned by passing four tests that demonstrate knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, serving as an alternative for those who didn't finish traditional high school. While most employers and colleges view it as equivalent to a diploma, it's a different path to showing you've met secondary education standards, opening doors to jobs, trade schools, and further college education. 

Is GED harder than SAT?

The GED (High School Equivalency) and SAT are for different purposes: the GED proves you have high school-level skills, while the SAT assesses college readiness, making the SAT generally harder and more comprehensive for college entry, but the updated GED (post-2014) is also challenging, testing near 11th-grade skills in core subjects (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies) and requires solid preparation, with some finding GED Math tricky, while others find the SAT's adaptive format and new digital tools present unique challenges. 

Can I say I graduated with a GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

Do employers look down on a GED?

A GED holder can generally expect that the employers will recognize the certificate as comparable to a diploma, and they shouldn't hesitate to apply to a job that says 'high school diploma required'.

What is the #1 most educated city in America?

Ann Arbor, Michigan held steady at No. 1 for the second year in a row. With nearly 96% of adults holding a high school diploma, 58% with a bachelor's, and 31% with an advanced degree, this city continues to dominate both the “Educational Attainment” and “Quality of Education & Attainment Gap” categories.

What state has #1 education?

There isn't one single "number 1" state for education, as rankings vary by focus (K-12 vs. Higher Ed) and source, but Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida consistently rank at the top, with Massachusetts often leading K-12, New Jersey for overall education (blending K-12 & Higher Ed), and Florida excelling in higher education affordability and access. For example, U.S. News ranks New Jersey #1 overall for education but Florida #1 for higher education, while WalletHub places Massachusetts #1 for K-12.
 

Who is the least educated group in America?

All races except Whites ranked last on at least one level with African Americans ranking last on the non-high school, high school and advanced degree level.

Is a GED looked down on?

Myth 2: Colleges look down on GED holders.

This is also incorrect. Many colleges understand that every student has a unique story and that getting a GED may have been the best option for some students.

What is the hardest GED?

Most GED test-takers find the Mathematics section the hardest, with many citing challenges with algebra, geometry, and word problems, though some find Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) difficult due to reading and writing. Science and Social Studies are generally considered easier, but difficulty is subjective and depends on your strengths and past education. 

Can I join the military with a GED?

Education requirements

You must have a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have: Earned college credits.